Africa loses a tobacco control giant
Tobacco control advocates across the continent and world have hailed the death of Dr Shiela Ndyanabangi as a big loss for Africa as well as international tobacco control community.
Ndyanabangi, 52, worked in the Ugandan Department of Health and was also the country's Tobacco Control Focal person. News of her passing circulated over the weekend, citing her long battle with cancer.
In Uganda, Ndyanabangi had played a key role advocating for the Tobacco Control Act of 2015 to be enacted. The act regulates the consumption and supply of tobacco and its products.
Framework Convention Alliance Africa co ordinator Tih Ntiabang said: "I am saddened. by the loss of Dr Sheila Nyanabangi. I join the tobacco control community in Africa to celebrate her life. She is a heroine. Her role in developing and implementing the WHO FCTC will be remembered forever. RIP Dr Sheila."
Africa Tobacco Control Alliance head Deowan Mohee added : "My sincere condolences to the family of Dr Sheila Ndyanabanji. A great tobacco control advocate has left us." He added: I still remember her great interventions during COPs and getting the applause of all. She made us proud as Africans. We will miss her so much and for long."
